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Hi folks Eaton Detroit taking forever to address my order, with no indication when they will make my front springs…. 72 Supreme Convertible frame off, I have owned car since 1982….
Plan B - OldsParts.com, supposedly USA made, has anybody tried their springs, are you happy?
Plan B.1 - Moog springs
Any advice, recommendations gratefully accepted
Try Mevotech - they cross-reference with Moog part numbers so the Moog p/n you may be interested in should also come up on Mevotech's catalog. I used them for a set of rear springs that Moog no longer made within its own catalog and they're great.
I would look for Moog springs. There was just a thread where a screen shot of the Moog catalog with all the application information was posted. Look for that post, then search the net for the best price. They will very likely be a lot more affordable than you expect.
I have Moog 5536 on the front of mine and love them - same ride height as original springs, but much firmer for better handling while still providing a smooth, comfortable ride.
Note the Oldsparts description says GM used like a million springs, but OldsParts has one listing to fit all those million variations? Hmmmm.
Look at Ames Pontiac. Olds shares a lot of the same suspension stuff. They have springs. Moog also is good. Also makes a differenec if the car has A/C.
Please post a few images of the Eaton springs if you can. thanks
Next up on my 72 Supreme convertible restoration is my springs replacement.
I bought the car in 1982 from original owner, pretty sure it has the original springs. ( cant be 100% sure but I have a lot of maintenance records)
I ordered Eaton Detroit replacement springs, seeking original ride height, no ac, no heavy duty, part nos 1336, and 1348.
They finally arrived, and seem drastically different than what was in there (I had one front spring broken, so decided to replace them all (frame off resto)).
Fronts are one coil less (12 vs 13) and about 1.5 in shorter, wire dia about the same. And top wire not tapered to flat. Seems close in weight.
Rear springs are same no of coils, almost 1.5” higher, wire dia about 1/16” smaller, weight is definitely lighter, when I push on them they feel lighter..😮
I’ll call Eaton on Monday, but anyone have experience with this spring set? Seeking a stock restoration, I’m worried these wont give me a factory rake, and rears seem flimsy…
Any advice appreciated, factory control arms, KYB gas-adjust shocks..✌️
IMHO - The top of the new front spring should be flattened like the old spring. That way it seats and fits correctly in the top spring pocket.
To use spring terms: "One Square End and 1 Tangential End".
IMHO - The top of the new front spring should be flattened like the old spring. That way it seats and fits correctly in the top spring pocket.
To use spring terms: "One Square End and 1 Tangential End".
I agree That is my concern I will call Eaton Detroit tomorrow. ✌️
Your existing rear spring looks very "beefy" compared to what I'm familiar with. I have Moog 5379 springs in the back of my convertible and they look to be the same steel diameter as the new ones. On a previous car I owned, the rear springs fit perfectly and gave a good stance and ride comfort, but they were too short. This was my daily driver at the time and every time I took it in to rotate the tires the springs would fall out of the perches and I would have to reseat them when I got home.
Your existing rear spring looks very "beefy" compared to what I'm familiar with. I have Moog 5379 spring in the back of my convertible and they look to be the same steel diameter as the new ones. On a previous car I owned, the rear springs fit perfectly and gave a good stance and ride comfort, but they were too short. This was my daily driver at the time and every time I took it in to rotate the tires the prings would fall out of the perches and I would have to reseat them when I got home.
Rodney
thanks Rodney for the insight. Im going to try the new springs and see what they are like.
here is my car in 1992 before i put it in a barn for 27 years… Supreme with the old springs I am replacing…
[QUOTE=flameorange;1665959]Hi folks Eaton Detroit taking forever to address my order, with no indication when they will make my front springs…. 72 Supreme Convertible frame off, I have owned car since 1982….
Plan B - OldsParts.com, supposedly USA made, has anybody tried their springs, are you happy?
Plan B.1 - Moog springs
Here is some info on spring rate for 72,
I just returned eaton springs, they raised my car 3/4"
I also tried 1" lowered springs they dropped it 1/2" from where im at. My ride height should be 9.6 i' m at 11 1/4
Im still looking if I find something that works I'll let ya know. I have a 72 H/O ht w ac.
Over the years I have used this lady many times for many muscle cars. She is a former racer.
She has all the book references. There are only a few manufactures. The question is getting the right specification for your application. Spring and Suspension Specialists | ESPO Springs n Things
(You need to look up the complaints on this Board about the one vendor that you are considering.)
I used 5536 on my car and the front height measurement is right at the spec in the CSM. I have a post with measurements somewhere - I think it was a reply to pcard.
I just measured, but without removing anything from the trunk. Yeah, I'm lazy.
Front = 8 1/2"
Rear = 9 3/8"
And my car sits perfectly level from side to side. How about that.
Remember my car does not have factory size tires, so these measurements won't match the CSM even if the springs are the correct height.
edit: trunk has a spare, jumper cables, Sears scissor jack, a gallon jug of water, a car cover, and manila folder with some car show papers.
Prolly not enough weight to make any difference.
And a picture of my car from the side showing the ride height and stance: